Here are our recommendations on the best operators.
But please check your local ticketing office from local destination. |
| From Europe - London to Colombo |
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10hrs direct (11 hrs return) or 14hrs via the Middle East Only non-stop carrier is Sri Lankan Airlines (Tel +44 (0)20 8538 2001) twice daily from Heathrow and twice a week via Amsterdam. Less frequent flights are also available from Zurich, Paris, Rome, Milan and Frankfurt.
We highly recommend Sri Lankan Airlines for service. They release their tiered ticket prices 3 months prior to the flight date. At that time, you can often find a limited number of well priced seats. They also operate a frequent flyer programme
Other airlines involve a change (or 2) in the Middle East and their home country. |
| Other Airlines |
Stop over |
| High Quality |
Emirates – via Dubai
Gulf Air – via Bahrain
LTU – via Germany |
| Discount Airlines |
Etihad – via Abu Dhabi
Czech - via Middle East
Qatar – via Middle East
Royal Jordanian – via Jordan
Kuwait – via Kuwait |
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| Tickets |
| Price range: £600-1200 peak season £350-650 low season. If you are planning to stay in Sri Lanka for over a month check the duration date applicable to the price quoted. |
| Flights from London Heathrow & London Gatwick as well as 4 weekly flights from Manchester. All flights have a stop-over in Doha. |
| From USA/Canada |
No direct flights.
Via London & Middle East from East Coast.
Via Hong Kong, Singapore/ Bangkok from West Coast.
Thai Airlines, Singapore and Cathay Pacific all fly through on these routes and connect with Sri Lankan Airlines for the final leg. |
| From India |
| Air India flies from Delhi, Madras, Mumbai and Kerala. |
| From Maldives |
| Daily flights to Colombo which take approximately 1 hour. |
| From Australia / New Zealand |
| No direct flights Via Singapore, India, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. |
| Bandaranaike International Airport |
Located 34 km North of Colombo centre. Trains and buses are available but we would recommend a taxi or personal driver. It can be a bun fight of touting drivers as you exit the airport and there is no guarantee of a fixed rate nor a quality and insured driver/car. We are happy to provide quotes fro any journey with a reliable company and fleet.
If you have a long and onward journey from the airport, we would recommend a personal driver and car with an English speaking and licensed driver guide. Our recommended drivers maximise your sightseeing and not stop at every shop where he can make commission.
The airport departure tax should now be included within all airline tickets, but check with your agent when you purchase your flight. |
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| Useful Telephone Numbers for flight changes |
Sri Lankan Airlines - 011 242 1161
Royal Jordanian - 011 230 1621-4
Etihad UK - 0870 2417121 / Abu Dhabi - +9712 6444490
Emirates - 011 230 0200-5
Indian Airlines - 011 232 3136
Qatar - 011 4525 700
Singapore Airlines - 011 223 057 |
| Personal Driver |
We recommend that you arrange a car and driver. It is cheaper than self drive car rental and less scary. The rule of the road would appear to be “who dares wins”! Traffic drives on the left but the highway code is non-existent.
You will come across many drivers and touts during your stay but believe us when we say, the price might be good, the vehicle might be shiny but the same can’t be said for the engine, tyres and suspension.
For this reason, we shopped around and teamed up with two very reliable companies. We have a well maintained fleet and drivers who know the roads. For your own safety and enjoyment, Alternatively, we will build a driver into your itinerary. |
| Taxi |
| Only a few are metered and they are only really apparent in Colombo. Agree a price before you set off and ensure the driver knows your destination. Most hotel receptions / shops will give you a guide price or will arrange the taxi on your behalf. |
| Tuk-Tuk |
In our opinion the best way to see the local sites, have some fun, and make friends with the locals. They are in abundance and you can barter but remember that this is their livelihood. Agree a fare before starting your journey especially if it’s a round trip.
Tuk-Tuk’s are fine for journeys up to 20km. The drivers will try to entice you into fashion stores and jewellers so be firm and if they take it well, give them a tip and they will be happy to see you again the next time without the sales patter. |
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| Bus |
Ubiquitous, cheap, crowded and completely hair raising and uncomfortable. They are small and built for locals with short legs. There are plenty of buses going to the key destinations as the Govt CTB buses compete with the air-conditioned private companies for fares.
They can be slow if you are on a long journey but on City links they own the roads. For timetables, call the main Bus Stand in Colombo on Tel: (Sri Lanka +94) 0112329604/5 or local bus station office for private timetables. |
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| Rail |
A slower and more comfortable ride than a bus and marginally more expensive. The rail network is quite comprehensive and criss-crosses much of the island. The coast line South from Colombo, the mainline from Colombo up through the Hill Country and northern line through the Cultural triangle to Trincomalee, all offer scenic journeys, especially if you travel 1st class.
However the trains are from the 1900’s and timetables are erratic with a margin of error greater than ½ day! 1st / 2nd class carriages are a must but seats and air conditioning are still not guaranteed, especially in peak season.
We have wonderful memories sharing Christmas Eve with 30 people in a carriage made for 10 and 35°C!!
The main City links from Colombo, Galle and Kandy are acceptable and the observation and night carriages can be fun. You will need to book in advance. The costs reflect the standards and can be a cost effective alternative if you are on a budget.
For timetables, contact the Railway office in Colombo, Tel (+94) 0112435838 or visit the Tourist Board schedules on www.srilankatourism.org. |
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| Air Taxi / Sea Plane |
Sri Lankan Airlines introduced an Air taxi service around the island, which is great fun and can certainly cushion the airport to hotel journey after a long-haul flight.
The small 8 seater Cessna Caravan planes use waterways, lakes and domestic airstrips to land and take-off. Flights currently run to many tourist destinations like Kandy, Bentota, Galle, Tangalle or the lengthy trips to Trincomalee or Anuradhapurha. Alternatively, the planes can be chartered privately as long there is a suitable landing area.
Flights are chartered in accordance with demand with some scheduled flights each day. Flights operate only during day light hours and during acceptable weather conditions. In the event of a cancelled flight, the crew will help you to source alternative transport.
The costs are reasonable, especially when you are a group of 4 or more people. Either book ahead or encourage your fellow holiday makers to join you in a return journey to the airport.
You will experience an exciting and birds eye journey over Sri Lanka and for those connecting to the airport, you will gain preferential treatment at Bandaranaike check-in desk.
for Sri Lankan Airlines Air taxi costs and bookings. |
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| Domestic Flights |
If you want to travel the whole of Sri Lanka and enjoy the different cultures and communities, you might find flying certain legs will save a lot of time. The prices are reasonable and there are 2 + flight a day on popular routes. All costs are liable to Sri Lankan VAT.
Jaffna and Trincomelee can be reached by airplane. For further details of schedules and prices or to place a booking click here. |
| Helicopter |
A more adventurous and luxurious means of transport across the island is by helicopter. We have partnered with a well established company who operate across Asia and have a fleet of helicopters.
Chartering a helicopter to your desired location is from $1000+ but you have the flexibility of landing pad and time of departure. Many of the boutique hotels have a landing pad or one within 10mins drive.
All costs are liable to Sri Lankan VAT.
For further details of schedules and prices or to place a booking. |
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